Dittisham No. 1

Listed in Lysons (1806-1822) as a baptismal font "among many of circular form and an early age, enriched with various carved mouldings, wreaths, scrolls, or foliage". Described and illustrated in Clarke (1916) as the bowl of baptismal font probably of the late 12th century, related in style and ornamentation to those at South Pool and Rattery [cf. Index entries]: "It may have been originally similar to Southpool and Rattery, for the difference which at present exists suggests the restorer's touch. The main part of the bowl is filled with key patterns on flutings as in those fonts, but here, instead of being suggested by the flutings, the outline of the key is incised completely, the sides as well as the semicircular heads; by this means the fluted effect almost disappears, and with it much of the refinement of the earlier design. It is indeed so very definite that one cannot resist the suspicion that the completion of the key is due to the mistaken zeal of a modern restorer. Sandstone is so invitingly easy to work. The rim is a round moulding made of seven pieces of stone; it is of course an addition taking the place of the old rim, which no doubt was damaged. The bowl has been cracked horizontally and repaired." Noted in Pevsner (1952): "Circular, Norman, with the same odd motif as at South Pool, perhaps meaning an arcade to which the columns were added in paint and into which figures were painted". The web site for the town of Dittisham [http://www.dittisham.org.uk/st._georges_church.asp] [accessed 20 January 2009] informs: "The font is Norman standing on a modern stone shaft and base. Its is a solid, red sandstone bowl thought to have been buried to save it from destruction Cromwell's time. The font cover is modern".